State – Page 181 – SD NEWS agency

Merger of NCP Factions ‘On Track’, Set to Alter Maharashtra’s Political Landscape

30Jan

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Maharashtra, State

Merger of NCP Factions ‘On Track’, Set to Alter Maharashtra’s Political Landscape

The proposed reunification of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions—one led by late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the other by veteran leader Sharad Pawar—is reportedly “very much on course,” with negotiations already at an advanced stage even before Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in a plane crash on Wednesday. Sources say the merger, initially planned for February 8, is likely to significantly alter Maharashtra’s power dynamics. The NCP (SP) camp believes Sharad Pawar will now naturally resume a central role in guiding the unified party, while the ruling NCP is considering nominating Ajit Pawar’s widow, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, as deputy chief minister to preserve the family’s political legacy. Merger Talks Preceded Ajit Pawar’s DemiseAccording to party sources...

Four Naxalites with Bounty of ₹8 Lakh Surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

30Jan

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Chhattisgarh, State

Four Naxalites with Bounty of ₹8 Lakh Surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

Sukma (Chhattisgarh) | 30 Jan 2026 Four Naxalites, including two women, carrying a combined bounty of ₹8 lakh, surrendered along with their weapons in Sukma district on Friday, senior police officials said. The cadres, who were part of the Kistaram area committee in the South Bastar division of Maoists, turned themselves in under the state government’s Poona Margem initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration, said Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P. The surrendered Naxalites told police that they were motivated by the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.

UP Government Focuses on Bundeli Folk Arts, Prepares for UNESCO Recognition

30Jan

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State, Uttar Pradesh

UP Government Focuses on Bundeli Folk Arts, Prepares for UNESCO Recognition

The Uttar Pradesh government is taking steps to bring Bundelkhand’s rich folk arts to the global stage, aiming to include traditional forms such as Alha, Bundeli Swang, and Rai dance in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In coordination with the state’s Tourism and Culture departments, officials in Jhansi are collecting comprehensive data on local artists, folk art forms, and historical records associated with these traditions. The initiative also involves documenting organizations supporting Bundeli arts, rare folk practices, and prominent performers to strengthen the nomination process. For UNESCO consideration, detailed information is being gathered on performers of Alha, Bundeli Swang, and Rai, including awards, notable achievements, and contributions. Additionally, d...

UP to Ease Project Approvals; Ministers to Clear Projects Up to ₹50 Crore: CM Adityanath

30Jan

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Business, State, Uttar Pradesh

UP to Ease Project Approvals; Ministers to Clear Projects Up to ₹50 Crore: CM Adityanath

Lucknow | 30 Jan 2026 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday announced plans to streamline project approvals in the state by raising the financial threshold for ministerial clearance, officials said. Under the new proposal, departmental ministers will have the authority to approve projects costing up to ₹50 crore, up from the current limit of ₹10 crore. Projects valued between ₹50 crore and ₹150 crore will require the finance minister’s approval, while projects exceeding ₹150 crore will need the chief minister’s sanction. The initiative aims to simplify and fast-track the approval process for high-value projects, promoting investment and accelerating development across the state.

Sanjay Raut Slams Discussions on Ajit Pawar’s Successor as ‘Inhumane’

30Jan

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Maharashtra, Politics, State

Sanjay Raut Slams Discussions on Ajit Pawar’s Successor as ‘Inhumane’

Mumbai | 30 Jan 2026 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday strongly criticized discussions over the successor of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling it “inhumane” to raise such issues while the family is still mourning. Pawar tragically died in a plane crash on the morning of 28 January near Baramati, Pune district, along with four others. His funeral, held on Thursday in Baramati, saw a large gathering as locals bid tearful farewell to the senior NCP leader. Raut said, “Raising questions about Ajit Dada’s successor immediately after his death shows a lack of humanity. Whether ministers or MLAs, those who are discussing leadership succession have no sensitivity. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is still grieving the loss of her husband.” ...

Mizoram CM Inaugurates Areca Nut Processing Unit in Kolasib

30Jan

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Mizoram, State

Mizoram CM Inaugurates Areca Nut Processing Unit in Kolasib

Aizawl | 30 Jan 2026 Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday inaugurated a new areca nut processing unit in Kolasib district, near the Assam border, officials said. The facility, established by SSB Agro, aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector and provide a stable market for areca nut farmers in the region. The inauguration event, held at Buhchangphai, was attended by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata, Deputy Speaker Lalfamkima, and CM adviser and MLA Lalmuanpuia Punte.

Ghaziabad MLA Dismisses Student’s Allegations Over Flooded Roads as Conspiracy

30Jan

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State, Uttar Pradesh

Ghaziabad MLA Dismisses Student’s Allegations Over Flooded Roads as Conspiracy

Ghaziabad | 30 Jan 2026 After heavy rains caused severe waterlogging in Loni, Ghaziabad, a video of a schoolgirl holding local MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar responsible for the condition went viral on social media. Speaking to the media, Gurjar denied the allegations, calling them baseless and a deliberate attempt to defame him. The MLA claimed that the controversy is orchestrated by his political rivals, municipal chairperson Ranjit Dhama and her husband, former chairperson Manoj Dhama. Gurjar said, “The girl is too young to understand who is actually responsible for the waterlogging. The municipality, not the MLA, is accountable for road conditions and drainage maintenance. My opponents are using minor children and small-time YouTubers to tarnish my image.” Allegations of Municipal Mi...

Man Stabbed to Death in Broad Daylight in UP’s Lalitpur District

30Jan

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State, Uttar Pradesh

Man Stabbed to Death in Broad Daylight in UP’s Lalitpur District

Banda (UP) | 30 Jan 2026 A 35-year-old man was brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight in Lalitpur district on Friday, police said. According to Lalitpur Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mustaq, the incident occurred around 11:30 am at Najai market. The victim, identified as Kripa Sagar Patwa, was repeatedly attacked with a knife and left injured on the road. Patwa was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but doctors declared him dead, the SP confirmed. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Kairav Gandhi Kidnapping Case: Three Notorious Bihar Criminals Injured in Police Encounter

30Jan

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Jharkhand, State

Kairav Gandhi Kidnapping Case: Three Notorious Bihar Criminals Injured in Police Encounter

A violent police encounter with armed criminals linked to the Kairav Gandhi kidnapping case unfolded late Thursday night near Sai Mandir in the Bistupur area of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. During the operation, three suspects were injured by police gunfire and are currently undergoing treatment under strict police supervision. Identities of Injured Suspects The injured have been identified as Guddu Singh, Mohammad Imran Alam, and Rameez Raja, all residents of Bihar. The trio are known to law enforcement for multiple serious criminal cases, including kidnapping and extortion, and had been under continuous police surveillance. Gunfight During Weapon Recovery According to police, the suspects had disclosed during interrogation that they had hidden weapons near Sai Mandir after abductin...

Congress-DMK to Begin Seat-Sharing Talks Soon, Says TNCC Chief

30Jan

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State, Tamil Nadu

Congress-DMK to Begin Seat-Sharing Talks Soon, Says TNCC Chief

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai on Friday dismissed reports of a rift between Congress and DMK, stating that formal seat-sharing negotiations between the two parties will commence within a week. Selvaperunthagai expressed confidence that Congress would secure its expected number of seats during the discussions with the DMK. Meanwhile, DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi, who met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week in Delhi, told reporters in Thoothukudi that initial informal talks between the parties have been “smooth.” The developments signal a continued strengthening of the Congress-DMK alliance ahead of the upcoming elections.